News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
BC Rivers Day Micro-Grants Funding Opportunity from ORCBC
This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.
This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.
BC Rivers Day is an annual celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to promote the importance of British Columbia's rivers and watersheds. It was established in 1980 by ORCBC and outdoor enthusiast and river conservationist Mark Angelo.
With support from the BC Parks Licence Plate program and other supporters, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is thrilled to launch the BC Rivers Day micro grant program.
Learn more about the program and apply for the program visit ORCBC.ca.
Applications are open now until Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Destination BC Micro-Grant Opportunity - Applications Open May 13-31, 2024
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation–offers micro-grant funding for organizations that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by:
purchasing equipment,
updating infrastructure,
implementing new systems, or
pursuing sustainability certification.
Benefits to businesses and organizations receiving a micro-grant include:
Support for creating long-lasting, positive impacts to help your tourism business prepare for the effects of climate change and align with provincial climate resiliency goals.
Up to $15,000 to invest in projects in your tourism business that improve responsible practices in operations to support climate change adaptation.
Potential long-term cost savings for your tourism business created by reduced energy or resource use.
Introduction of a process that promotes continuous improvement in your tourism business.
Potential recognition and credential through third-party sustainability certification.
Confidence in knowing that your tourism business is better prepared to adapt to climate events.
Learn more about the Grant opportunity and who is eligible at DestinationBC.ca
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Destination Events Support Fund by Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. This was developed because Tourism Kamloops is committed to elevating Kamloops as an attractive, year-round destination by investing in strategies that focus on off-peak visitation. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Program Goals:
- Generate incremental visitation and overnight stays in October, November, December, January, February, March & April.
- Develop the destination in off-peak months by creating events that enhance perception, increase awareness, and stimulate advocacy for Kamloops in key markets (social media & word-of-mouth)
- Enhance resident sentiment
- Increase net promoter score
Find out if you qualify for the funding by visiting TourismKamloops.com /Event-Support-Fund.
New Grant and Mentorship Program to "Spark" Innovative Tourism Ideas Along Rainforest to Rockies Iconic Route | Apply by March 1
A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas along the Rainforest to Rockies iconic route across southern British Columbia was announced by Destination BC, in partnership with Tourism Innovation Lab, TOTA, and other tourism partners.
The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.
A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas along the Rainforest to Rockies iconic route across southern British Columbia was announced by Destination BC, in partnership with Tourism Innovation Lab, TOTA, and other tourism partners.
The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.
The goal of the program is to find, advance, and support new tourism ideas that will enhance the road trip experience along British Columbia’s Rainforest to Rockies corridors by motivating travellers to stop and explore a unique tourism experience, encouraging them to stay longer, and visit more communities along the way.
Eligible Projects
Rainforest to Rockies is the first Iconic brand to launch from Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy and takes visitors from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies, through the Thompson Okanagan through Highways 1, 3, 5, and 99, to Gold Country, Thompson Valley, Similkameen, South Okanagan, Boundary Country, and Shuswap areas.
The Spark Program is seeking new tourism ideas that enhance the experience of the road-trip traveller along British Columbia’s Rainforest to Rockies corridors in one or more of the following ways:
Motivate travellers to stop their vehicle and explore a unique tourism experience along the Iconic Route
Motivate visitors to stay longer or visit more communities along the way,
Address gaps in tourism products and services by offering something that does not yet exist or is in demand along the route or in the area
Share or convey captivating stories about the place, providing an opportunity for the visitor to connect with the destination in a meaningful way
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate how your tourism idea supports economic, social, and/or environmental sustainability. Ideas that support or advance principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are encouraged.
Learn More and Apply
Applications are open to tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in BC until March 1, 2024.
Following a review process, 20 finalists will be invited to four virtual pitch sessions, resulting in a total of 12 “Spark” Program winners.
For more information about the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming info sessions, visit TourismInnovation.ca/R2R.
Applications Open for B.C. Employer Training Grant (ETG) Until March 2024
The B.C. Employer Training Grant is a cost-sharing grant program that provides employers throughout B.C. with skills training funding for their workforces, including prospective new hires. Employers can receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
Receive up to $300,000 for Skills Training
The B.C. Employer Training Grant is a cost-sharing grant program that provides employers throughout B.C. with skills training funding for their workforces, including prospective new hires.
The grant funding helps employers respond to their changing labour needs and helps develop a skilled workforce with the right mix of skills. In turn, this helps British Columbians access the skills training needed to succeed in today’s labour market, while increasing job security and supporting career advancement.
Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
Vancouver Foundation Recovery and Resiliency Fund | Apply by September 30
B.C. non-profit societies, charities, and Indigenous-led organizations can apply for multi-year, flexible grants from the Vancouver Foundation. Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Through a partnership between the Province of BC, Vancouver Foundation, United Way BC, and New Relationship Trust, $34 million in multi-year, flexible grants will be available for charities and non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
For the first time, they are awarding grants through a randomized selection process that assesses eligibility rather than merit, minimizes biases, and removes competition between organizations.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Grow Your Business Online with Canada Digital Adoption Program & Grants
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides support to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitalize your business's operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
There are two streams:
Grow Your Business Online: Micro-grant and access to e-commerce advisors to help you go digital and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Boost Your Business Technology: Grant to help you develop a digital plan and funded work placements to help with your digital transformation.
Which grant is your business eligible for?
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides support to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitalize your business's operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
There are two streams:
Grow Your Business Online: Micro-grant and access to e-commerce advisors to help you go digital and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Boost Your Business Technology: Grant to help you develop a digital plan and funded work placements to help with your digital transformation.
Which grant is your business eligible for?
Recovery and Resiliency Fund: New Support for B.C.’s Non-Profit Sector in June
A new $34-million fund for non-profit groups in British Columbia will provide much-needed support for organizations that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during recovery.
The focus of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs, and operations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Funding will fill crucial gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.
The fund is anticipated to launch in June 2022. To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to Vancouver Foundation.
A new $34-million fund for non-profit groups in British Columbia will provide much-needed support for organizations that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during recovery.
The focus of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs, and operations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Funding will fill crucial gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.
The historic investment of $30 million from Budget 2022 includes an additional $4 million from Vancouver Foundation. Vancouver Foundation and United Way British Columbia will administer the funds.
The New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led funding body, will administer at least $5 million to support the recovery and resilience of Indigenous communities.
The fund is anticipated to launch in June 2022.
To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to Vancouver Foundation.
Tourism and Hospitality Focused Summer Courses | Okanagan College
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
CleanBC Communities Fund Intake 3 Now Open | Apply by May 25, 2022
The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) intake 3 is now accepting applications to fund projects that support the management of renewable energy, access to clean energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and generation of clean energy. The fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) intake 3 is now accepting applications to fund projects that support the management of renewable energy, access to clean energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and generation of clean energy. The fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
CanExport SMEs Program Accepting Applications for 2022 Projects
To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program is accepting new applications for projects starting after April 1, 2022.
For-profit businesses with $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue can receive funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program is accepting new applications for projects starting after April 1, 2022.
For-profit businesses with $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue can receive funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
Commemorate Canada Re-opening Fund | Apply by January 10, 2022
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Canadian not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations with non-commercial projects, educational institutions, and government institutions are eligible to apply.
The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Who Can Apply?
Canadian not-for-profit organizations
Canadian for-profit organizations where proposed projects are non-commercial in nature
Canadian educational institutions
Canadian provincial/territorial, municipal governments, Indigenous governments (or equivalent authority) or other municipal, provincial or territorial institutions.
Eligible Projects
To be eligible for funding from the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund, your project must:
be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry)
be open to the general public and promoted as such
support the revival of local economies after the hardship of the pandemic
commemorate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, either as a general theme or by specifically honouring first responders, front-line workers, communities, pay tribute to lives lost or
provide an opportunity for Canadians impacted by COVID-19 to share their stories, experiences and contributions during the course of the pandemic in Canada
The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
Arts Impact Grant Now Available: Apply by January 20, 2022
Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can now apply for the Arts Impact Grant to receive as much as $30,000. This adaptable grant is available through the BC Arts Council in response to feedback from arts and culture groups. All non-profit organizations with an arts and culture mandate, and Indigenous governments and community organizations offering dedicated arts and culture programming, are eligible to apply.
Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can now apply for the Arts Impact Grant to receive as much as $30,000. This adaptable grant is available through the BC Arts Council in response to feedback from arts and culture groups. It provides greater flexibility for organizations as they prioritize how to use the funding.
All non-profit organizations with an arts and culture mandate, and Indigenous governments and community organizations offering dedicated arts and culture programming, are eligible to apply.
The application deadline is Jan. 20, 2022.
Additional Funding for Business Recovery Grant
The Province is adding millions in additional funding to keep the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant operating until the expected start of Step 3 of BC’s Restart plan on July 1, 2021. The program has been providing relief to thousands of B.C. businesses impacted by the pandemic. Eligible businesses interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to apply right away.
The Province is adding millions in additional funding to keep the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant operating until the expected start of Step 3 of BC’s Restart plan on July 1, 2021.
The program has been providing relief to thousands of B.C. businesses impacted by the pandemic.
“The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program has had tremendous uptake and helped thousands of B.C. businesses position themselves for a strong recovery as we embark on BC’s Restart plan,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “We built this grant program for the business community. Its success is directly attributed to the input businesses shared that allowed us to reshape the program along the way. My gratitude goes to everyone who helped make this program a success for businesses throughout the province.”
To date, the business recovery grant program has committed $290 million to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. After applications close on July 2, 2021, the total investment of the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program is expected to reach $430 million. This funding will support more than 20,000 B.C. businesses and 260,000 employees over the course of the pandemic and beyond.
As of June 3, 2021, more than 10,000 grants have been awarded to B.C. businesses. Over 41% of these grants have been awarded to tourism-related businesses.
“Over 4,100 tourism operators have accessed the grant and received funds from the $100 million for tourism-specific funding. This additional support was a call to action from the Tourism Task Force to provide relief to people and businesses that were struggling,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “I encourage any tourism businesses that haven’t accessed the grant to see if they are eligible.”
The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is delivering over $130 million to hospitality and accommodation businesses impacted by the recently lifted health orders. The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant will close on June 4, 2021. Combined, these two grant programs provide approximately $560 million in relief to businesses hit hard during the pandemic.
“It is an honour for Small Business BC to be involved in this program, and we appreciate the graciousness of all the businesses we worked with,” said Tom Conway, CEO, Small Business BC. “We are also grateful for the B.C. government's willingness to adjust this program to meet the needs of businesses. This is precisely the type of response that will help businesses turn the corner past these challenging times.”
Eligible businesses interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to apply right away. All businesses that apply, including businesses in the application process, must submit all final documentation and details prior to the July 2, 2021, deadline. Outstanding grants and related service-provider claims will continue to be processed as soon as possible after the application period closes.
“Receiving this grant money from the B.C. government was empowering because it gave me the funding I needed to move forward with the recovery plan I built during the application process,” said Leanna Carlson, owner, Carlson Pottery in Prince George. “The grant money I received not only benefits my business, it has a ripple effect on the community and makes people optimistic that the local economy is starting to rebuild.”
Many programs that provide ongoing supports for businesses remain in place as the economy continues to reopen. This includes federal programs, such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, as well as provincial programs, such as the Increased Employment Incentive and the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave reimbursement program.
The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. This plan is one of the ways government is working to support businesses impacted by the pandemic, while the province builds toward a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive economic future.
Quick Facts:
The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program provides fully funded grants to eligible businesses that employ up to 149 B.C. residents.
Grants of $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 are available with up to an additional $5,000 to $15,000 available to tourism-related businesses.
As part of the application process, an applicant is required to develop a business recovery plan.
Approved professional service providers are available to help with the application process, including recovery plan support, up to $2,000 per small or medium-sized business. This amount is paid directly to the provider.
Learn More:
For more information on the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant
For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
New Province-wide Program Supports B.C.’s Anchor Tourism Organizations
The newly announced Major Anchor Attractions Program provides one-time emergency funding to major anchor attractions and tour bus companies that service tourism attractions to help them operate at minimal levels until domestic travel resumes and it's safe to gather indoors in small groups. The application window will be open until June 7 with funds provided in July 2021.
The Province is now accepting applications for support through B.C.’s new major anchor attractions and tour bus companies funding program.
The newly announced Major Anchor Attractions Program provides one-time emergency funding to major anchor attractions and tour bus companies that service tourism attractions to help them operate at minimal levels until domestic travel resumes and it's safe to gather indoors in small groups. The program is available to businesses and not-for-profits.
Anchor attractions and tour bus companies face high fixed costs because of their infrastructure and minimum staffing requirements. With funding announced in Budget 2021, the $50-million BC Major Anchor Attractions Program may offer up to $1 million per attraction through one-time grants.
Eligible expenses include payroll, rent and utility costs related to restarting or ramping up operations in preparation for gradual reopening in alignment with provincial health orders. The funding is available for not-for-profit organizations and businesses.
The application window will be open until June 7 with funds provided in July 2021.
Quick Facts:
Examples of criteria and eligible organizations include:
major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year – eligible for up to $1 million.
major anchor attractions in rural areas that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year – eligible for up to $500,000.
tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year – eligible for up to $500,000.
examples of “turnstile” attractions eligible for the program include amusement parks, wildlife parks, botanical gardens, heritage institutions, museums, galleries and science centres.
For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/economic-recovery/attractions-program.
Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Eligibility Changes: Tourism Businesses Eligible for Up to $45,000 Non-Repayable Grant
The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector. Tourism businesses impacted by the pandemic will be eligible to receive between $10,000 and $45,000 in a non-repayable grant.
The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector.
Tourism businesses impacted by the pandemic will be eligible to receive between $10,000 and $45,000 in a non-repayable grant.
Adjustments made to the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program include a streamlined application process and simplified criteria to allow more businesses to be eligible.
Eligibility changes include:
instead of requiring a revenue loss of 50% or more, the criteria has been reduced to 30% at the time of application;
the requirement to list a variety of remittance accounts, like the registration numbers for the goods and services tax, provincial sales tax and WorkSafeBC, have been removed;
businesses that have been in operation for the last 18 months are now eligible (reduced from three years). This means businesses only need to have been in operation nine months before the pandemic to apply for the grant;
applications can now be submitted by sole proprietors; and
businesses that are temporarily closed or seasonal are now eligible for the program.
The revised application process and eligibility criteria are now in place. Small- and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to apply.
For more information on the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant
About StrongerBC
The grant is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, which outlines the steps the Government of British Columbia is taking to help people, businesses and communities come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. The changes to the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program were made in consultation with industry associations and business groups that represent the small and medium-sized business community.
For more information on StrongerBC, visit: StrongerBC.gov.bc.ca